Seeing God’s Back — Part 1: 01/15/2024

Broadcast

                      Seeing God's Back - Part 1
                            Exodus 33:17-18
                              01/15/2024


        17   And the LORD said to Moses, ``This very thing that
             you have spoken I will do, for you have found
             favor in my sight, and I know you by name.''
        18   Moses said, ``Please show me your glory.''  (ESV)

        The Epiphany season, the portion of the Church Year between
   Christmas and Lent, is a time when the Church learns that Jesus
   is both true God and true man.  He is revealed as God's Son and
   the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world during His
   baptism.  Jesus first shows the world His divine power as
   recorded by Saint John when He turned water into wine.

        God has always interacted with His people.  As Moses led the
   children of Israel out of Egypt, God was with them.  When the
   children of Israel displeased God by making a golden calf, God
   did not abandon them.

        Moses prayed that God would continue to go with them as the
   traveled from Mount Sinai to the promised land.
        And the LORD said to Moses, ``This very thing that you
        have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my
        sight, and I know you by name.''  Moses said, ``Please
        show me your glory.''


        God knows each of us intimately, our strengths and our
   weaknesses.  As with Moses, He knows us by name, and desires that
   we hold to Him in faith, no matter our circumstances.  God grants
   us His favor, His grace, love, and mercy, through the death and
   resurrection of Jesus Christ, His Son.

        This week's Old Testament lesson from Exodus shows us how
   sinners cannot fully comprehend God.  Moses asked, ``Show me your
   glory,'' so to learn more about God.  The response, which we will
   discuss this week, is surprising, especially as we see Jesus
   revealed in His glory as our Savior.  May our Lord richly bless
   you and the work you are doing to serve God and neighbor.  Amen.